Joe Gomez Tagged “Mini-Virgil” by Alexander-Arnold

The Liverpool defender has had an incredible start to the season, debuting in central defense next to Virgil Van Dijk.

Only three goals have been allowed into Alisson’s net in the Premier League this season. Liverpool have been defensive stalwarts since the opening day, anchored at the back by Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez. There was always a sense that Jürgen Klopp’s team would have a stronger spine with Alisson and Van Dijk but the addition of Gomez into the mix has taken Liverpool’s whole defense thing up a notch.

Gomez rotated regularly with Trent Alexander-Arnold at right back last season. And to great effect. But Gomez was always set to slide into the middle of defense at some point. An ankle injury took him out of contention last spring and Gomez missed the Champions League final and the World Cup but the young defender has bounced back impressively.

Klopp started this season with Gomez because Joël Matip and Dejan Lovren were both nursing injuries. Now, Gomez has clearly formed a great and burgeoning partnership with Van Dijk and his old right back buddy, Alexander-Arnold, couldn’t be more excited to hand out the kudos.

“He’s showing this season he is a top player,” said Alexander-Arnold.

“At a young age, he’s one of the best in his position in the league. That takes some doing, so that’s credit to him especially with the setbacks he has had.

“He has an immense hunger and drive to keep succeeding, going forward and getting better. You see that every day in training with the way he applies himself.

“The relationship he has forged with Virgil has really helped him. He probably looks up to Virgil as a bit of a role model. It’s like he’s a mini-Virgil at times!”

Gomez will be linked with Van Dijk for the time being and into the near future, but it’s seems clear that the day will come when Joe is lauded just as much as the big Dutchman.